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Kiruna Iron Ore Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Kiruna Iron Ore Mine is the largest and most technologically advanced underground iron ore mine in the world, serving as a cornerstone of the Swedish national economy. Since operations began in 1900 under the state-owned company LKAB, the mine has extracted over one billion tons of high-grade magnetite ore. Today, mining activities have reached depths exceeding 1,300 meters, utilizing sophisticated automated systems and electric machinery. A globally unique consequence of the mine's expansion is the ongoing physical relocation of Kiruna's entire city center, as ground subsidence caused by underground extraction threatens the stability of existing structures. The extracted ore is transported via the specialized Iron Ore Line (Malmbanan) to the key ports of Luleå and Narvik. The mine accounts for approximately 80% of the European Union's total iron ore production, making it a critical strategic asset for the European steel industry. Beyond extraction, LKAB is using the Kiruna site to lead the global development of fossil-free iron production through hydrogen technology, positioning the mine at the forefront of the green industrial transition.

Location: Sweden
Top sights: Kiruna krematorium · simhallsbadet · Giron Sámi Theáter

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-13	-13	-9	-4	3	9	13	10	5	-2	-8	-11
Rain mm	35	30	26	35	70	93	128	92	71	48	40	40

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Kiruna Iron Ore Mine is an astonishing marvel of modern engineering and the backbone of Sweden's mining economy, renowned as the largest underground iron ore mine in the world. Operated by the state-owned enterprise LKAB, it is a truly monumental site that directly necessitated the ongoing relocation of the entire city of Kiruna.

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Visiting

Unlike most active industrial sites, LKAB typically operates a dedicated visitor mine called InfoMine, located deep underground. Tourists can usually book official guided bus tours that take them over 500 meters below the surface to experience the mining processes firsthand, though spots must be reserved well in advance.

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Where to view it

From the surface in Kiruna, visitors can clearly observe the massive deformation zones and the colossal mining headframes dominating the horizon. The stark visual contrast between the expanding mine site and the newly constructed parts of the relocated city center has a powerful testament to the sheer scale of the extraction.

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Local products

Local markets and tourist centers in Kiruna frequently showcase artisanal goods crafted from raw iron ore, alongside traditional Arctic handicrafts. You can often purchase unique jewelry made from locally sourced industrial minerals, as well as high-quality winter gear essential for the challenging northern climate.

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Active season

The deep underground operations function relentlessly around the clock, 365 days a year, insulated from the extreme weather above. The winter season is immensely popular for tourists combining the mine visit with spectacular displays of the Northern Lights and dog sledding adventures in the surrounding snowy landscapes.

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Nearby

Experiencing the depths of the iron mine is wonderfully paired with visiting the world-famous ice attractions and winter resorts in the surrounding region. Many travelers also take the opportunity to explore the panoramic mountainous scenery in nearby national parks, which are easily accessible via the scenic railway built specifically for the iron ore transport.

Geography

Coordinates

67.84800, 20.20300

Facts

The mine is operated by LKAB, a company entirely owned by the Swedish state.
The current main haulage level is situated at 1,365 meters below the surface.
Approximately 26 million tons of iron ore are extracted annually at the Kiruna site.
The official urban relocation of Kiruna's city center commenced in 2004.
The magnetite ore found in Kiruna has an exceptionally high iron content of over 60%.
Up to 12 fully loaded ore trains depart from the mine daily towards the port of Narvik.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kiruna1 km · NEExplore →

Kirunavaara1 km · SWExplore →

Luossavaara3 km · NExplore →

Icehotel Jukkasjärvi16 km · EExplore →

Svappavaara Iron Ore Mine42 km · SEExplore →

Torneträsk67 km · NWExplore →

Tarfala Valley67 km · WExplore →

Kaskasatjåkka69 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kiruna Iron Ore Mine (5)

Kiruna krematorium

Crematorium in Kiruna, used for cremations, located in the Lombolo district.

simhallsbadet

Indoor swimming pool in Kiruna, heated pools, slides and sauna for visitors.

🌐 kiruna.se🕒 Mo 10:00-20:00; Tu 07:00-20:00; We 07:00-21:00; Th-Fr 07:00-

Giron Sámi Theáter

Theatre in Kiruna, staging Sami and international plays, a cultural hub.

Iron ore cart

Historic ore cart, displayed as a monument to Kiruna's mining history.

Kiirunavaara

Mountain in Kiruna, Sweden, site of the world's largest iron ore mine.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can the Kiruna mine be visited?

Yes, LKAB InfoMine gives tours to a depth of 540 meters.

Why is the city of Kiruna being moved?

Mining causes cracks in the ground that threaten the safety of the city.

How cold is it underground?

The temperature is constant year-round at about 8-10 degrees Celsius.

Do I need to book the tour in advance?

Yes, early online booking is highly recommended.

How long does a mine tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours in total.

Kiruna Iron Ore Mine: where is it located?

Kiruna Iron Ore Mine is located in Sweden.

Kiruna Iron Ore Mine: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kiruna krematorium, simhallsbadet, Giron Sámi Theáter.

Kiruna Iron Ore Mine: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kiruna Iron Ore Mine: why is it worth visiting?

The Kiruna Iron Ore Mine is the largest and most technologically advanced underground iron ore mine in the world, serving as a cornerstone of the Swedish national economy.

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